NMC failed to prioritise patient safety

7th March 2013

Health Select Committee chair Stephen Dorrell has accused the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of not understanding its function.

It has been criticised at the committee’s second nursing accountability hearing for failing to prioritise patient safety, although Mr Dorrell said he welcomed the fact that the new NMC management team was committed to addressing its failings and the latest evidence shows that its performance is improving. However, he said there remained a “serious gap” between current performance and acceptable standards.